A tannic, super-concentrated effort from Pichon-Lalande, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, from yields of only 33 hectolitres per hectare (45 hectolitres in 2000). It possesses a saturated purple colour in addition to a firm but promising bouquet of figs, black currant liqueur, licorice, lavender and background smoky oak. Tannic, classically structured, exceptionally pure and layered as well as tremendously persistent and long in the mouth, this will not be a wine to drink in its youth. Medium-bodied it will require 7-8 years of cellaring. It is a very impressive but structured effort from this famous estate. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #158, Apr 2005)

One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Quality 858 | Brand 992 | Economics 954 | investment staple
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2002 vintage, 662 Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 36 of the world's top wine lists, including Amber - Mandarin Oriental Economics: Below its peer group average price of £91 for the 2002 vintage Production: Lower production than its peer group average of 151,058 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017

Good deep ruby-red. Inky aromas of currant, black cherry, minerals and smoky oak. Tightly wound but not at all hard. The flavors of black fruits, minerals and graphite are enlivened by bright acidity (3.56 grams). A very classy wine with sneaky depth of flavor, in a distinctly cooler style than the 2003 but built to age.

This has been a stubborn vintage from the beginning, with angularity to the tannins. At 19 years old they are beginning to soften and allow the blackberry and bilberry fruits to show themselves more clearly. There is plenty of Pauillac kick, with evident charcoal and crushed stone notes. Sweet cinammon, tobacco leaf and cedar come in through the mid palate. Good quality but lacking a heart-quickening moment. 3.76ph.
Tasted July 2021 - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux

Aromas of blackberries, cassis with fresh mushrooms and licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Slightly austere now but should come around very nicely.

Medium-bodied, fully developed with an austere edge to the crunchy, leafy, spicy, minty red fruits and forest leaf characteristics, you can enjoy this classic-leaning, old-school-styled wine now and over the next decade with ease. Tasted July 2022

The 2002 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a relatively simple nose compared to recent vintages with scents of blackberry, raspberry coulis, soy and leather. Still quite youthful. The palate is medium-bodied, a bit dry and austere with grainy tannins, leather and tobacco mixed with white pepper, though it lacks a bit of freshness on the slightly bitter finish. Tasted at the château.

2ème Cru Classé Full and scented and round. Hint of chocolate. Solid but very stolid and thick. No lift. (JR)